Hundreds of collectors in New Jersey come together after Sandy

3 of 8Alfa 8C Competizione at the New Jersey Cars and Croissants meetup

Photo by Nathan Laliberte

4 of 8Alfa Romeo Spider at the New Jersey Cars and Croissants meetup

Photo by Nathan Laliberte

5 of 8Classic Chevy at the New Jersey Cars and Croissants meetup

Photo by Nathan Laliberte

6 of 8Delorean at the New Jersey Cars and Croissants meetup

Photo by Nathan Laliberte

7 of 8Porsche 911 Carrera at the New Jersey Cars and Croissants meetup.

Photo by Nathan Laliberte

8 of 8Rolls Royce at the New Jersey Cars and Croissants meetup.

Photo by Nathan Laliberte

To say it's been a tough couple of weeks for residents of New Jersey would be an understatement. Many are still without power, while thousands more are coping with devastating damage to their homes and businesses. Making matters worse, a crippling gas shortage followed by statewide rationing snarled commuter bus and train networks, forcing many to find alternative forms of transportation—causing many to miss work and take kids out of school.

Fortunately, thanks to New Jersey's gregarious Gov. Chris Christie, who spearheaded a massive recovery effort, things have been getting back to normal in a hurry. Schools are now open, gas is flowing, and 99 percent of roads and bridges have been cleared for passage.

Car meet-ups—the all-encompassing events for enthusiasts to gather, eat, and talk shop—had, for the last few weeks, been postponed indefinitely. With so many struggling, it just wasn't the right time to indulge in luxurious excursions. But thanks to a group called Cars and Croissants, a weekly gathering started by Kirk Meighan and Abi Singh in New Jersey, the hobby is back in full swing.

This past Sunday, with help from John Farrell at Paul Miller Porsche, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce of Parsippany, N.J., collectors from all over the state gathered for the first time since Superstorm Sandy blew ashore. It was a chance for everyone to share war stories while tending to a passion that had, in recent weeks, taken a backseat to survival. Attendance was unprecedented, far beyond the organizers' anticipations, attracting an impressive array of exotic and classic cars.

“We're 20 minutes into the event and I have already run out of food,” said Paul Gavel, general sales manager of Paul Miller Porsche. “We are bringing a second batch in. I am actually worried we are going to run out of parking. There are hundreds of cars here!”

“It feels fantastic to be here,” said John Loder, who brought his 1981 DeLorean (License Plate: GULWNG). “It's great to have my DeLorean out of the garage. We've finally had a nice day.”

“It was 10 long days without power,” said Jim Devaney, proud owner of an all-original '68 Mustang. “This is a big relief to get the car out and see some guys. This is the first time I have been able to drive my Mustang since the storm.”

“This was the first week that we were able to say 'Let's go for it,' ” said Willie Sanchez, who brought his pristine '72 Datsun 240Z. “We usually have a couple of hundred cars, but today it is much more than that—maybe 300-400 cars.”

It should be noted that along with the turnout, the cars themselves were quite impressive. There was a gleaming red Ferrari Enzo, several Porsche 356s, an original '77 Z28 Camaro, a row of modern Lambos, and even a 1912 Ford— its owner sporting a pair of denim overalls, long gray beard and a conductor's hat.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, family, especially in New Jersey, has never been more important. And we are happy to report the passion for cars, and the extended family that goes along with that, has never been stronger.